With the completeness of the recent Municipal League meeting
in Ketchikan, including the annual and ongoing discussion of
energy supply for our surrounding communities repeating the often
lament of limited hydro access, transmission of power, sharing
of power, and angst over diesel power expense, one becomes mystified.

That mystification is a result
of having read on occasion, the introduction of miniature nuclear
reactors for the very purpose the Municipal League identifies.

Here is a site
and article that gives the information related to the electrical
requirements of South East Alaska. Actually, applicable to all
of the bush area of our State, with the city of Galena having
applied in 2003 for such a unit.

One has to wonder if energy related professionals advising or
involved with our various electrical boards (Four Dam Pool/Thomas
Bay Power Authority for two unities) are ignoring the process
and near future availability of these efficient power generating
units due to the nature of power generation supply (Hydro) involved
currently. The subject of nuclear didn't seem to be a topic in
this meetings reporting or in the general scheme of power generation
for the surrounding area. If that is the case, the position lacks
vision and is narrowing. One has to think outside of the box.

During the recent National election, the subject of availing
ourselves of ALL methods of power generation, including nuclear
was a common theme.

The projected cost of a unit,
as reported in this article, is with in reason when you relate
that cost to say a new swimming pool, library, aquarium and a
mired of other high dollar items on the community annual legislative
wish list for the common good.

With 40 years plus of successful use of nuclear in our naval
vessels, France electrical requirements being meet by 70%, England
with a lesser but impressive amount of nuclear, one has to be
willing to discuss the potential for our economic future.